AZTEC SUN Are Prepared For Two Big Shows With Everyone Orchestra

Washington, D.C. based Funk and Soul outfit AZTEC SUN are poised for a huge opportunity this weekend as they’ll open for Everyone Orchestra in Brooklyn at the Brooklyn Bowl (11/10) and wrap it up with a hometown show at Gypsy Sally’s (11/11).

This window of opportunity isn’t one the band is taking lightly as they’ve been preparing for both shows for quite some time. Despite the fact they aren’t really a “jam band” per say, AZS still sprinkles in plenty of theatrics and improvisation to comfortably tip-toe around that defining line. AZTEC SUN’s musical inspiration comes from a diverse background. For example, band leader Stephane Detchou aligns himself with artists like Prince, James Brown and Charles Bradley, while keyboardist Ryan “Catch” Sarafolean leans more towards New Orleans brass inspired Creole and Jazz. Lead guitar player Ray Lamb is most in touch with the jam band community and even manages to work in a few Phish teases into his live performances.

“There’s something for everyone in what we do,” said Stephane. “We brand ourselves as ‘Funk w/ Soul’, but our musical influences are as diverse as our members. Opening for a ‘super jam band’ like Everyone Orchestra is an opportunity to highlight the different facets of our music. It’s also exciting to be part of EO’s weekend run, starting with Brooklyn Bowl on Friday and followed by a hometown show at Gypsy Sally’s the following night. It’s crazy to think how far our group has come!”

Together AZTEC SUN is united by the beat and driven by the groove. They construct their live performances around one central mission statement: “do whatever makes them dance.” In true Washington, D.C. fashion, the band pulls from different Go-Go inspirations and makes it a point to include the crowd in many call and releases – making them the perfect opener for a supergroup like Everyone Orchestra.

Tickets are on sale for Brooklyn Bowl here and Gypsy Sally’s here. Before AZTEC SUN starts their run with Everyone Orchestra, they’ll be performing at the Richmond Music Hall at the Capital Ale House Richmond (11/9).